Focus on Dioramas
Dioramas have to be one of the most versatile aspects of railway modelling. In my view the pros far outweigh the cons; they don’t take up much space. they don’t cost as much as a whole layout, a finished diorama can be achieved in a relatively short space of time, they are ideal for photographing rolling stock, they can be easily movable so photos can be taken in natural light, the diorama can be designed so that your ideal photo angle can be achieved without any unwanted background and lastly (in this paragraph at least!) they give the builder a chance to indulge a design flight-of-fancy that otherwise might not be appropriate or prototypical to incorporate in a layout scenario. One could even be designed to take a bolt-on simple fiddle yard and run it at exhibitions!
I have built quite a few and I absolutely love them, for all the above reasons and probably more besides. My customers usually have a rough idea of what they’re after but not always. The making process begins with a sketch of how the finished diorama will look, which will set out the overall dimensions and main architectural and scenic features. Careful reference is made to prototype photos if appropriate, to provide accurate material for portraying colouring of stonework and brickwork etc. Using my skills not only as a model-maker but as a cabinet-maker, the spec of the diorama can include (if desired) polished hardwood plinths and edging, frontage scenic ‘wings’ and lighting and hand-painted scenic backscenes, using only the best raw materials throughout.
Get in touch today and I will help you turn your idea into a top-quality, finescale portrait.
Here follows a description of some of the dioramas I have undertaken:
THE CUTTING
For this diorama I was presented with a sketch showing the customer’s requirements. The construction features a birch ply baseboard with timber bracing framework, with the architecture and civil engineering being constructed using laser-cut MDF, and solid hardwood machined corbel and capping stones. Further detailing was carried out using contrasting brick string courses, key stones and inset brick panels to the retaining wall and tunnels at either end. The repetitive brick arches to the wall give a sense of greater length than would otherwise have been achieved with just a plain flat wall. There is a low wall along the front edge which serves very well to frame photographs of the rolling stock.
Initial sketch, ballasting, foliage and greenery courtesy of Neil Podbery.
Finished diorama photos and rolling stock courtesy of Ian Statham.
THE YARD
This diorama commission was designed with a similar purpose in mind to The Cutting; to provide a realistic setting for photos of the customer’s rolling stock and locomotives. It too has a low wall along the frontage and very high retaining wall at one end and along the back. The hut in the foreground provides interest and also fixes the location as somewhere Great Western.
Additional grubbiness and the odd tuft of grass courtesy of Neil Podbery.
MIDLAND STYLE
Initially started as an exercise in distinctive Midland style, this diorama has since been purchased by a Great Western modeller…I am particularly pleased with the polished hardwood detailing to the edges , reminiscent of an Edwardian display case worthy of a museum collection. The blades of a turnout give the impression of the scene carrying on in one’s imagination. The 3D scenery just beyond the fence blends beautifully into the 2D backscene.
Handpainted backscene courtesy of Paul Bambrick
Ballasting, foliage, greenery, trees etc courtesy of Neil Podbery
WORK IN PROGRESS
I am always on the look-out for inspiration for future dioramas and I started this one having caught sight of a photo of Diggle Station on the old LNWR, although this diorama could be set anywhere. It is making good progress and measures about 1100mm long, x 300mm deep x 350mm high. It will have a front fascia and lighting pelmet, and already features a superb Paul Bambrick hand-painted backscene. The right-hand end of the line disappears into a tunnel, the left-hand end has a super-thin mirror. Further images of the work in progress can be found on my RMWeb thread here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/136999-monks-gate-models/page/9/#comment-5046714 The brickwork is currently being painted and weathered.
This diorama will be available for sale - if you wish to register your interest and/or discuss your particular requirements then contact me through the ‘get in touch’ page below.
FUTURE PROJECTS
Future dioramas that are floating around my head at the moment would be:
Something with a decided S&DJR flavour - think Combe Down, double-headed West Country and ex-Midland motive power.
A similar diorama to ‘The Cutting’ but with a decidedly suburban feel with the backs of houses to the rear rather than fields and greenery.
A large-ish diorama based on the JC Bourne etches of Brunelian tunnel mouths with a watery foreground.
If any of the above sparks your interest of if you have your own ideas you would like to discuss then contact me through the contact page. I look forward to hearing from you.